Weinsberg caracito 450 fu

3 min read

This lightweight entry-level tourer, the latest from the German brand, comes in all-electric and gas versions

Words and photos Andrew Jenkinson

Price £18,220 (as tested) Berths 4 MiRO 935kg MTPLM 1200kg

AROUND TEN YEARS ago, Elddis launched an all-electric caravan. Bailey also did the same in its Orion range.

In fact – and going all the way back to 1965 – automotive electricals manufacturer Lucas also launched an all-electric model, which used various forms of battery power. It was a bit too far ahead of its time, however.

All of these models were at the budget end of the market, as is the Weinsberg CaraCito 450 FU, which comes in an all-electric version. So are buyers now ready for all-electric?

Pitch and set-up

Its simple looks do remind you that this is an entry-level tourer. It feels solid and well put together, but it has stucco side panels, which aren’t easy to clean and look a little dated in the UK these days.

They are also in two sections, with the join as an overlap. This was a feature that UK caravan manufacturers moved away from a while ago.

The new Dyonic chassis, designed for the CaraCito, is meant to save weight. You only get steel rims as standard, although alloys are an option, as are two different kinds of stabiliser – a hitch stabiliser and an electronic stability control system.

You can also upgrade the drawbar, with an optional cover or a bike rack.

The door is a single piece, not a stable door, and it’s on the Continental side, which could be a deal-breaker for some.

Cassette access is also on that side, too, which means that you could be taking this through the awning. The service points, however, are on the opposite side from any potential awning. There is a large, bright LED awning light.

Lounge

A rear-lounge layout is a popular choice in Continental tourers, but hasn’t proved that successful in the UK market, except in family caravans where the floorplan includes a double dinette.

However, this lounge is spacious, with wraparound seating, a retro pattern on the tabletop, and colour-coordinated curtains. Blinds and flyscreens are also fitted.

The seating is upholstered in a plain, practical brown fabric and includes shaped backrests. But their thickness isn’t great.

The rear window could have been a bit larger, but night-time lighting is provided by a central LED ceiling light.

Kitchen

The compact side kitchen is fitted with a ceramic electric hob, but no grill. It houses a Dometic 83-litre fridge near the lounge. Lighting is excellent, with sensibly located LED downlighters. But the work surface is not that generous, and an extension

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